This add-on book for the
interactive Quantum Pad Learning System (read more about the
system here) is designed to teach and reinforce third-grade
science concepts through games and interactive fun.

The first spread deals with the
question, "What is Science?" and kids can explore the
scientific method, listen to a Scientist Rap, and more. A number
of famous scientists are featured in this latter activity -- some
from history, such as Sir Isaac Newton and Galileo, and others
recent scientists like Jane Goodall and Mae C. Jemison. When kids
point their magic pen to Einstein, they hear this rap: "My
teachers thought I wasn't smart/I opened up their eyes/I
discovered relativity/And won the Nobel Prize".

On the "What's the
Matter?" spread, children can play a game that quizzes them
on their knowledge of solids, gases, and liquids (and they learn a
bit about the characteristics of particles for each), and play a
guessing game to find an object using clues based on the five
senses.

The Sound spread features a paper
piano that kids can play in an open-ended manner, or challenge
themselves with games to identify sounds at different pitches.
They can "see sounds" and take part in a "jam"
here as well. Diverse facts are presented here, such as the
meaning of an echo and the reason why larger instruments have a
lower pitch.

Other pages allow kids to explore
the colors of the rainbow, estimate the melting and freezing
points of different matter, classify animals according to the
foods they eat, identify animal habitats, explore the solar
system, and more. Plenty of spreads are devoted to wildlife in
different climates and habitats. Our tester's favorite game
involved identifying a "mystery meal" according to clues
given by the predators, prey, and scavengers in the African
Savanna.

The book comes with a nice Parent
Guide complete with a curriculum guide, vocabulary and concept
reviews (designed for parents to quiz their children), an answer
key, and suggested activities to reinforce concepts learned in the
book.

A Quantum Pad Learning System
unit is required to use this book. There are plenty of other
titles in the series now available.